Whilst the lorry safety consultation on retrofitting high-cab HGVs with extra window panels continues, manufacturers carry on developing vehicles that tackle the problem at source, by lowering the cab in its entirety and placing the driver further forward for easy access in and out of the vehicle and far greater visibility in urban environments where vulnerable road users are most at risk from tipper trucks and large goods vehicles.

The new Volvo FE LEC is based on the latest generation of Volvo Trucks’ medium duty Volvo FE, so the chassis, driveline, design, instruments and controls are all more or less identical. What differentiates the Volvo FE LEC above all are the properties specific to the low-entry walk-through cab. Entry height is just 530 mm. With the kneeling function activated, this is lowered a further 90 mm. The doors can be opened 90 degrees and the floor is flat throughout the cab.

Importantly, the driver’s seat is more forward-placed to ensure the best possible visibility ahead and moreover to the sides of the truck. The cab also features large rear-view mirrors and close-quarter mirrors.

Buy combining better vehicle design with technology Volvo has the ability to massively reduce blind-spots and show what can be done if people join together for a common good to solve the problem of large vehicles in urban areas.